S.A. pro-pot activists buzzed about legalization effort

Updated 10:06 am, Friday, December 14, 2012

DWI lawyer Jamie Balagia is interviewd Thursday, March 27, 2008 at his office on South Main.

DWI lawyer Jamie Balagia is interviewd Thursday, March 27, 2008 at his office on South Main.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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A scene in Bridewell Prison, where the harlot Moll Hackabout is sentenced to beat hemp, on Plate 4 of 'The Harlot's Progress' by William Hogarth, 1732. An engraving by S. Davenport after Hogarth.

A scene in Bridewell Prison, where the harlot Moll Hackabout is sentenced to beat hemp, on Plate 4 of 'The Harlot's Progress' by William Hogarth, 1732. An engraving by S. Davenport after Hogarth.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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Rope-makers spin and comb fibers of hemp, circa 1802.

Rope-makers spin and comb fibers of hemp, circa 1802.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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Commercial artist Christine Vasey rolls a marijuana reefer in 1950.

Commercial artist Christine Vasey rolls a marijuana reefer in 1950.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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A teenage girl smokes marijuana in New York in June 1953.

A teenage girl smokes marijuana in New York in June 1953.

Photo: Keystone Features, Getty Images

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Greek dancing sensation Lili Berde performs her erotic number 'The Marijuana,' an act so controversial that it has been banned on British television, in May 1956.

Greek dancing sensation Lili Berde performs her erotic number 'The Marijuana,' an act so controversial that it has been banned on British television, in May 1956.

Photo: Juliette Lasserre, Getty Images

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Women dress their hemp crop before weaving the plant into linen in August 1958.

Women dress their hemp crop before weaving the plant into linen in August 1958.

Photo: Keystone Features, Getty Images

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A Hippie promotes marijuana legalization outside the courtroom in Chichester, England, where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones were facing drugs charges on May 10, 1967.

A Hippie promotes marijuana legalization outside the courtroom in Chichester, England, where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones were facing drugs charges on May 10, 1967.

Photo: Wood, Getty Images

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A group of Hippies talk and smoke marijuana outside their camp at the Isle of Wight pop festival on Aug. 1, 1969.

A group of Hippies talk and smoke marijuana outside their camp at the Isle of Wight pop festival on Aug. 1, 1969.

Photo: Evening Standard, Getty Images

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A poster with a quotation in favor of marijuana use by poet Allen Ginsberg hangs on a wall on Sept. 25, 1969.

A poster with a quotation in favor of marijuana use by poet Allen Ginsberg hangs on a wall on Sept. 25, 1969.

Photo: Sydney O'Meara, Getty Images

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American pediatrician, psychiatrist and pacifist Dr. Benjamin Spock addresses an audience during his election campaign as candidate for the American presidency in 1972, running against George McGovern and Richard Nixon. His platform included withdrawal of all American troops from everywhere, legalized abortion and marijuana, and amnesty for draft dodgers. less

American pediatrician, psychiatrist and pacifist Dr. Benjamin Spock addresses an audience during his election campaign as candidate for the American presidency in 1972, running against George McGovern and ... more

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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A young couple share a marijuana joint on August 1, 1980 at Notting Hill Carnival, west London.

A young couple share a marijuana joint on August 1, 1980 at Notting Hill Carnival, west London.

Tennis star Jennifer Capriati is shown in a Coral Gables (Fla.) Police Department photo after her arrest on May 16, 1994, for possession of marijuana.

Tennis star Jennifer Capriati is shown in a Coral Gables (Fla.) Police Department photo after her arrest on May 16, 1994, for possession of marijuana.

Photo: CORAL GABLES POLICE DEPT, AFP/Getty Images

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American rapper Snoop Dogg is escorted in handcuffs by two police officers following his arrest on charges of suspicion of possession of marijuana, circa 1995.

American rapper Snoop Dogg is escorted in handcuffs by two police officers following his arrest on charges of suspicion of possession of marijuana, circa 1995.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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Police constable Denver Sas smokes a water pipe known as a "hubbly bubbly" filled with marijuana on May 11, 1995 before the start of a protest march to legalize the substance in Cape Town, South Africa.

Police constable Denver Sas smokes a water pipe known as a "hubbly bubbly" filled with marijuana on May 11, 1995 before the start of a protest march to legalize the substance in Cape Town, South Africa.

Photo: GARY BERNARD, AFP/Getty Images

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Members of the "Mars Work Force" anti-narcotics special brigade burn marijuana on Aug. 14, 1995 in Sinaloa State in western Mexico.

Members of the "Mars Work Force" anti-narcotics special brigade burn marijuana on Aug. 14, 1995 in Sinaloa State in western Mexico.

Photo: MATIAS RECART, AFP/Getty Images

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An unidentified Canabis Buyers' Club customer (right) lights up a marijuana cigarette for Dennis Person (behind bar), the establishment's director, on May 2, 1996 in San Francisco. Buyers suffering from AIDS, cancer or conditions with symptoms that marijuana is know to alleviate can purchase the outlawed drug with a doctor's note. In the foreground is a bowl of marijuana and marijuana brownies. less

An unidentified Canabis Buyers' Club customer (right) lights up a marijuana cigarette for Dennis Person (behind bar), the establishment's director, on May 2, 1996 in San Francisco. Buyers suffering from AIDS, ... more

Photo: JOHN MABANGLO, AFP/Getty Images

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Cheryl Miller from Silverton, N.J., severely disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, is given marijuana to chew by her husband Jim as they participate in a protest against anti-medicinal marijuana legislation, in the doorway of the office of U.S. Rep. Jim Rogan, R-CA, on March 30, 1998, in Washington, D.C. Rogan's office was targeted because he voted for favorable legislation in 1995, citing that a relative found relief by using the drug, and then voted for a House resolution proclaiming opposition to medicinal use of marijuana. Miller was arrested for marijuana possession. less

Cheryl Miller from Silverton, N.J., severely disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, is given marijuana to chew by her husband Jim as they participate in a protest against anti-medicinal marijuana legislation, in the ... more

Photo: JOYCE NALTCHAYAN, AFP/Getty Images

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A Hong Kong woman looks at the display window of British-based cosmetic outlet The Body Shop decorated with a cut-out picture of a cannabis leaf on November 2, 1998. Hong Kong narcotics bureau investigated a range of hemp-based products by the cosmetics company to test whether they contravene drug laws. less

A Hong Kong woman looks at the display window of British-based cosmetic outlet The Body Shop decorated with a cut-out picture of a cannabis leaf on November 2, 1998. Hong Kong narcotics bureau investigated a ... more

Photo: MANUEL CENETA, AFP/Getty Images

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Mother-of-five Sonia Webb campaigns for more relaxed drug laws on the "Cannabus" carrying a 12-metre-long replica of a marijuana joint outside the New South Wales State Parliament at the start of the Drug Summit in Sydney on May 17, 1999. less

Mother-of-five Sonia Webb campaigns for more relaxed drug laws on the "Cannabus" carrying a 12-metre-long replica of a marijuana joint outside the New South Wales State Parliament at the start of the Drug ... more

Aaron Sorkin, creator of "The West Wing," looks at his attorney, Steve Sitkoff, during his arraignment May 2, 2001 at the Superior Court in Burbank, Calif., on charges of possession of illegal hallucinogenic mushrooms, rock cocaine and marijuana. Sorkin was arrested April 15, 2001 at Burbank Airport after security officers found a small bag in his carry-on luggage containing paper bundles suspected of containing drugs. less

Aaron Sorkin, creator of "The West Wing," looks at his attorney, Steve Sitkoff, during his arraignment May 2, 2001 at the Superior Court in Burbank, Calif., on charges of possession of illegal hallucinogenic ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

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Tania Gladstone tries out a hemp pretzel as Sintra Howell looks on at a stand promoting hemp products December 4, 2001 in New York City. The D.E.A. recently banned all hemp food products that contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. less

Tania Gladstone tries out a hemp pretzel as Sintra Howell looks on at a stand promoting hemp products December 4, 2001 in New York City. The D.E.A. recently banned all hemp food products that contain THC, the ... more

Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images

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An assistant studies marijuana/cannabis leaves in the Maripharma Laboratory February 15, 2002 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The Dutch government is the first in the world to officially approve the cultivation and sale of cannabis products to pharmacies for medical purposes. less

An assistant studies marijuana/cannabis leaves in the Maripharma Laboratory February 15, 2002 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The Dutch government is the first in the world to officially approve the cultivation ... more

Photo: Michel Porro, Getty Images

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The norml.org web site posts an ad created by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) featuring New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg found himself the poster boy for an ad campaign to legalize marijuana in a full-page spread in the New York Times April 9, 2002. less

The norml.org web site posts an ad created by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) featuring New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg found himself the poster boy for an ad ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills and Nash, performs May 3, 2003 during the Music Midtown concert in Atlanta, Georgia. Crosby was arrested on marijuana and guns possession charges March 6, 2004 in New York City.

David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills and Nash, performs May 3, 2003 during the Music Midtown concert in Atlanta, Georgia. Crosby was arrested on marijuana and guns possession charges March 6, 2004 in New York City.

Photo: Steve Schaefer, Getty Images

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Seattle's Hempfest opens on August 21, 2004. The event is billed as the world's largest drug-policy reform rally.

Seattle's Hempfest opens on August 21, 2004. The event is billed as the world's largest drug-policy reform rally.

Photo: Ron Wurzer, Getty Images

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Proponents of medical marijuana hold signs outside of the U.S. Supreme Court November 29, 2004 in Washington, D.C. The court heard arguments over whether the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is unconstitutional as it applies to the right to cultivate and possess cannabis to treat medical conditions as recommended by a medical doctor. The court upheld the federal government's right to ban the drug. less

Proponents of medical marijuana hold signs outside of the U.S. Supreme Court November 29, 2004 in Washington, D.C. The court heard arguments over whether the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is unconstitutional ... more

Photo: Mannie Garcia, Getty Images

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Actor John Kassir , Andy Fickman, director and Matt Blank, CEO and chairman of Showtime pose at the premiere of Showtime's "Reefer Madness" held at the regent Showcase Cinemas on April 5, 2005 in Hollywood, Calif. less

Actor John Kassir , Andy Fickman, director and Matt Blank, CEO and chairman of Showtime pose at the premiere of Showtime's "Reefer Madness" held at the regent Showcase Cinemas on April 5, 2005 in Hollywood, ... more

Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

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In this handout from Drug Enforcement Administration, cross-border tunnel between between the Lynden, WA and Aldergrove, B.C., Canada, is seen July 21, 2005. So-called "B.C. Bud" is commonly smuggled across the border. less

In this handout from Drug Enforcement Administration, cross-border tunnel between between the Lynden, WA and Aldergrove, B.C., Canada, is seen July 21, 2005. So-called "B.C. Bud" is commonly smuggled across ... more

Photo: Handout, Getty Images

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"Prince of Pot" Marc Emery addresses a crowd of four hundred that attended an anti-extradition rally held for him in front of the U.S. Consulate on September 10, 2005 in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Emery, leader of the British Columbia Marijuana Party, faced extradition for selling marijuana seeds on the internet. less

"Prince of Pot" Marc Emery addresses a crowd of four hundred that attended an anti-extradition rally held for him in front of the U.S. Consulate on September 10, 2005 in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Emery, leader ... more

Photo: Don MacKinnon, Getty Images

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Alternative Herbal Health Services worker Jason Beck packages medical marijuana April 24, 2006 in San Francisco, after the Food and Drug Administration issued a statement declaring that there is no scientific evidence supporting use of the drug for medical treatment. less

Alternative Herbal Health Services worker Jason Beck packages medical marijuana April 24, 2006 in San Francisco, after the Food and Drug Administration issued a statement declaring that there is no scientific ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

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S.A. pro-pot activists buzzed about legalization effort

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Karli Duran motors her way around San Antonio in a lime-green Smart car affectionately known as the “Weed Mobile.”

The car's exterior is a collage of pro-marijuana messages and ads for the legal services of Duran's boss, Jamie Balagia, the white-bearded pot-defense guru of San Antonio.

For a movement that has spent the last 40 years alternately inching forward or stumbling backward as a casualty of the federal drug war, this was one giant leap for the chronic.

“We've broken the barrier of prohibition,” gushes Duran, 35, a raspy voiced, auburn-haired Dallas native who moved to San Antonio two years ago and quickly set up a NORML chapter.

Cannabis crusading is kind of the family business for Duran. In the late 1970s, her parents owned a popular Dallas head shop called Strawberry Fields, and they once attended an art auction at the Playboy mansion to benefit NORML.

When Duran hosted S.A. NORML's November meeting in a smoky, dimly lit hookah bar on the Northwest Side, you could sense something was in the air. Only 18 people showed up for the group's first post-election gathering, but they were clearly buzzed over the possibilities signaled by Colorado and Washington.

John Pyles, a 28-year-old military brat, says he came to the cause because he couldn't stand “watching the government lock people up for victimless crimes.” He credits the Internet with opening up the national conversation about pot.

“Twenty years ago, the only thing you saw was the anti-drug, 'Just Say No' stuff,” he says.

James Holland, 31, ran for county commissioner this year as a Libertarian against Republican incumbent Kevin Wolff. (Holland received nearly 24,000 votes.) He says his support for pot legalization drew him to the Libertarian Party in 2000 as a student at Austin College in Sherman.

The most successful legalization campaigns have been built on an unlikely coalition of liberal Democrats and the Libertarian edge of the Republican Party. On a national level, there is a hint of that kind of bipartisanship coalescing, with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, promising to work with Senate Democrats to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for pot possession.

In Texas, however, legalization activists face some major hurdles. For one thing, Texas is not among the 24 states that allow citizens to use the petition process to get initiatives on the state ballot. For another, the border drug trade has long made legalization a thorny issue that the Legislature would prefer to avoid.

One lawmaker recently told me that the mere thought of being targeted as a friend of narco-traffickers in a campaign mail piece scares many legislators to death.

In fact, far from talking up legalization, Texas GOP leaders are making noise about mandating welfare applicants to submit to drug tests.

One hookah-bar attendee asked Duran if she believes Texas will be the last state in the union to legalize pot. It's a question she gets asked a lot.

“That's what everybody thinks,” Duran says. “I think the federal government will do it before Texas does. So I think we have a better chance with the feds.”

Duran likes to say that supporting legalization doesn't automatically make you a pot smoker, but in her case, the spliff fits. She was ticketed for pot possession four times during the 15 years she lived in Mississippi and became a legalization activist in 2010, shortly after she and a friend were busted in Gonzales County, while en route from Houston to San Antonio. Duran served 12 hours in jail, while her friend spent 20 days behind bars.

“There's a big movement going on,” she says. “We're just waiting to see what the federal government will do with the two states that did legalize it.